When comparing pet sitting vs kennels, pet sitting involves a professional carer looking after your pet either in their own home or your pet’s home, depending on the service offered. This allows pets to remain in familiar surroundings, follow their usual routines, and experience minimal disruption while you’re away.
Pet sitting is particularly popular with cats, older dogs, anxious pets, and those with medical or behavioural needs, as it avoids the stress that can come from unfamiliar environments. For many pet owners, it offers peace of mind knowing their pet is being cared for in a calm, home-based setting. This is why, in the debate of pet sitting vs kennels, many owners feel home-based care is the less stressful option.
Professional pet sitters are trained to understand animal behaviour, spot signs of stress or illness, and provide reliable, consistent care tailored to each pet.
What Are Kennels and Catteries?
Kennels and catteries are purpose-built facilities designed to house multiple animals at the same time. Dogs and cats are usually kept in individual pens or units, with scheduled feeding, cleaning, and exercise times.
Many kennels and catteries are well-run and follow high welfare standards. However, they can be busy, noisy, and unfamiliar, which may be overwhelming for some pets – particularly cats or dogs that are sensitive to new environments.
While confident, social dogs may cope well, kennels are not always the best option for pets that are elderly, anxious, recovering from illness, or used to a quiet home routine.
Key Differences Between Pet Sitting vs Kennels
Understanding the key differences in pet sitting vs kennels can help pet owners make a more confident, informed decision. The main differences between pet sitting and kennels come down to routine, environment, and individual attention.
Routine:
Pet sitting allows pets to stick to their normal feeding, walking, and sleeping routines, which can greatly reduce anxiety.
Environment:
Pet sitting takes place in a home environment, whereas kennels involve shared facilities with unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells.
Stress levels:
Many pets feel calmer and more secure when staying in a familiar space rather than adapting to a busy facility.
Individual attention:
Pet sitting is usually more personalised, with care tailored specifically to your pet’s needs.
For many pets, this results in a calmer, more comfortable experience while their owners are away.
Pet Sitting vs Kennels: Which Option Suits Anxious or Older Pets?
For pets that are anxious, elderly, or have medical requirements, pet sitting is often the preferred choice. Remaining in familiar surroundings can significantly reduce stress and help pets feel secure.
Pet sitters are also able to monitor pets closely, noticing changes in appetite, behaviour, or mobility more easily than in a busy facility. This level of observation is especially important for senior pets or those requiring medication.
Cats tend to cope better with pet sitting, as they are naturally territorial and often find unfamiliar environments stressful.
How to Choose the Right Care for Your Pet
When deciding between pet sitting vs kennels, it’s important to consider your pet’s individual needs rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
Ask yourself:
- How does my pet cope with change?
- Do they enjoy being around other animals?
- Do they have medical, behavioural, or age-related needs?
- How long will I be away?
Always choose a service that is insured, experienced, and transparent about how pets are cared for. A reputable provider will be happy to answer questions and explain their processes clearly.
Making the Best Choice for Your Pet
There is no single “right” answer – the best option is always the one that prioritises your pet’s welfare, comfort, and happiness. For many owners, pet sitting offers a reassuring balance of professional care and a familiar environment, helping pets feel relaxed and secure while their owners are away.
The best choice is always the one that prioritises your pet’s welfare and happiness – click here to look at what makes our pet sitting services so popular.
Ultimately, choosing between pet sitting vs kennels should be guided by what best supports your pet’s routine, comfort, and wellbeing.
Need a reliable pet sitter nearby? We can help!
